The last remaining tickets to Saturday’s clash at Sunshine Coast Stadium were snapped up today, meaning a crowd of around 12,000 will watch South Sydney and the New Zealand Warriors do battle in the first NRL premiership match played in our region.

Tourism, Sport and Major Events Portfolio Councillor Jason O’Pray said the overwhelming support reinforced our region’s reputation as a leading destination for elite sports teams and events.

“In February we set a venue record for Sunshine Coast Stadium when 10,680 footy fans came to watch the Cowboys and Titans and we’re going to set a new benchmarkon Saturday afternoon in our first time hosting an NRL premiership match, which is absolutely fantastic,” Cr O’Pray said.

“Council has worked hard to increase our region’s presence in the NRL and to establish this three year partnership with the South Sydney Rabbitohs and on behalf of council I really thank our community for such a terrific show of support.

“I must also acknowledge and thank Tourism and Events Queensland for its assistance in securing Rabbitohs fixture games on the Sunshine Coast for the next three years. It’s great to see that around one-third of Saturday’s sell-out crowd will be visiting from outside the Sunshine Coast, including very strong numbers from interstate and New Zealand.”

Tourism Industry Development Minister Kate Jones said the historic sell-out event would generate millions for the local economy and attract thousands of visitors to the Sunshine Coast.

“Bringing these blockbusters to the Sunshine Coast will pump more than $3.2 million into the local economy over the next three years,” Ms Jones said.

“Events are vital when it comes to promoting our beautiful destinations, attracting more tourists and supporting local jobs. That’s why we’re partnering with the NRL to secure more footy content for the Sunny Coast.

“Coming to the Coast to watch Souths take on the Warriors is the perfect way for visitors to kick off their Easter celebrations.”

The Sunshine Coast’s maiden NRL premiership game shapes as a mouth-watering match up, with 23 players boasting Test Match or State of Origin experience set to take the field.

Match: Rabbitohs v Warriors

The star-studded Rabbitohs line-up includes Australian Test and Origin stars Alex Johnston, Dane Gagai, Adam Reynolds, Damien Cook and John Sutton as well as England Test trio Sam, Tom and George Burgess.

The New Zealand Warriors line up boasts 14 players with international experience, including Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Tohu Harris and Adam Blair. Issac Luke has been named among the reserves list and may return from a hamstring injury.